Sony has announced the NEX-VG10E – the world’s first consumer HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses and the first Handycam to feature a 14.2 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMO image sensor.

Sony CX36000 H-600 HD Camcorder

Sony CX36000 H-600 HD Camcorder

Aimed at the semi-pro and serious videomaking enthusiast, NEX-VG10E is designed to offer the kind of flexibility currently enjoyed by D-SLR camera users – in terms of their ability to use a choice of lenses as appropriate to the subject in focus – whilst maintaining more conventional “video camera” ergonomics.

Alongside the three currently available E-mount lenses, users of the NEX-VG10E can experience a wide variety of A-mount DSLR optics used on “α” cameras by using the optional LA-EA1 mount adaptor. Picking from a choice of award-winning Sony G lenses, fixed-focal length Carl Zeiss portrait lenses and other models from macro to super-telephoto, videographers will have unprecedented freedom to explore what Sony assures us is “an exciting world in movie creation”.

Using AVCHDTM format for unlimited continuous shoot time

Full HD 1920×1080 video images are captured in the new AVCHDTM format at up to the maximum 24 Mbps bit rate for improved detail and clarity. Unlike many digital still cameras (including D-SLR) that support HD video, there’s virtually no restriction on continuous shooting time. It accepts either Memory Stick PRO DuoTM or SD media cards and captures Full HD video and JPEG still images for easy transfer to existing PC storage and into editing environments.

The NEX-VG10E comes supplied as standard with an image-stabilised E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens that offers an 11x optical zoom range. Optimised for video shooting, the high-quality E-mount lens is designed to offer smooth, ultra low noise autofocus and iris control. In addition to its Optical Image Stabilisation, the camera also offers Active Mode which, at Wide Angle setting, enhances anti-shake performance, steadying jittery images even while walking. The lens also features a circular aperture for the creation of impressive bokeh effects whether the user is shooting video or stills.

Audio clarity and connectivity

The Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone uses advanced processing algorithms to combine signals from four separate omnidirectional microphone capsules. The result is “exceptionally clear stereo audio” with a highly directional response which should, in theory, allow videographers to capture more sound from the subject they’re shooting, and fewer distracting sounds around them. It has an input jack for adding an optional external stereo mic, plus a headphone jack for audio monitoring.

With a photo-realistic 921k dot resolution, the 7.5cm/3 inch-type Xtra Fine LCD features TruBlackTM technology for a detailed, high contrast view of images and menu settings. The LCD is supplemented by a high-resolution (1152k dot) electronic viewfinder.

Intuitive design and manual controls

According to Sony, the NEX-VG10E is “compact, beautifully balanced and easy to handle, even for novice videographers”. An intuitive jog dial and hotkeys make it easy to navigate camera menus and adjust shooting parameters. Videographers can also enjoy precise manual control over Iris, Shutter Speed, Gain and White Balance for professional results.

A range of official accessories includes the ECM-CG50 Shotgun Microphone that attaches to the camcorder’s accessory shoe. There’s also a choice of rechargeable battery options, including the NP-FV100 that provides power for up to 330 minutes of continuous HD shooting. A dedicated soft carrying case the LCS-VCD, is also available as an option.

Offered to customers as a free download, Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 video editing software includes everything you need to produce spectacular HD movies. Powerful tools for video compositing, colour correction and sound mixing make it easy to achieve cinema-quality results. Movies can be uploaded to the web, burned to to Blu-ray Disc or authored as DVDs with custom menus and graphics.

Availability

The Handycam NEX-VG10E interchangeable lenses Full HD camcorder will be available at the end of September 2010.

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Source: Sony UK Press Release. Additional text by Colin Barrett. Image courtesy Sony ©2010.



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